It is much talked about, little is known, and people would like to be more informed. We are referring to the topic of network security, which closely affects the world of chat. And not only.
The vulnerability of the Internet has accustomed us not to be surprised anymore by the attacks that, on a daily basis, hackers, but especially crackers (the known computer pirates, those who damage where they make incursions) are accustomed to making on more or less important servers. However, home computers too, those we use just for fun, are uncontrollably exposed to external attacks.
What to do? What precautions to take? A quick solution is impossible to find. So much so that it is impossible to find a solution that works for all users and all computers. But some simple precautions can constitute a basic, unpretentious form of security.
Beware of files
We have repeatedly emphasized the attention to be paid when receiving a file, and we reiterate it here. Only accept files from known people. It is good practice, when sending a file, to announce its content. Sometimes, as has already happened with some viruses, infected files can arrive even from very trusted people. Try to remember this rule while chatting, whether you are on ICQ or mIRC, on Trillian or MSN Messenger. Who doesn’t remember the “I Love you” virus that attacked the entire address book of the unsuspecting victim and resent itself to these users? Who doesn’t remember all the viruses of the last few months with many similarities to the aforementioned “I Love you”? In this case, the attached file came from a known person, and no one ever thought they could be attacked by a virus sent by acquaintances. Yet, the creator of this “loving” virus had evidently thought to hit in this way, playing on the “let it pass” of the friendly guard (in this case, the unsuspecting friend).
Beware of attachments
If “I love you” found an “open door” in this way, it’s good to close the door while you still can. Viruses, in most cases, arrive in emails in the form of unsuspecting attachments. Always remember to check the type of attachment, excluding immediately, if your sender is unknown, files with executable extensions like .exe, .com, and .bat, or those in .vbs which are small programs created in Visual Basic. “The law goes to the snares.” But network pirates know well that people, at least the more attentive ones, are informed about dangerous file extensions. And for this reason, they hide extensions with those not considered offensive, like, for example, text file extensions: .txt and .doc.
In this case, there is another solution. Check if a file is more or less large. A text file, in fact, weighs very few KB, while an .exe file (especially if self-extracting) or a Visual Basic file certainly do not have small dimensions.
Disable cookies
Several sites on the Network leave conspicuous traces of your passage. They place cookies on your computer. These are elements that store some of your data or movements that can be tracked by external individuals.
To avoid “trouble,” you can disable the cookie acceptance function in your browser’s properties. There are some programs that only work if your browser accepts these well-known “cookies.” You decide. If the site is vital to you, avoid disabling cookies. Remember, however, that security, in this case, is not on your side.
Do not save passwords
While browsing the web or simply from the connection window, you are asked to save your password. If you are a security enthusiast, don’t do it. Avoid allowing someone to capture it and then reuse it. You might have an unpleasant surprise to find that you can no longer use the connection because the password is already in use. And that’s the least of it.
Perform periodic backups
To avoid serious problems, such as data loss due to external causes (viruses, hackers, etc.), try to perform regular backups of your data and system configuration.
Avoid accepting Scripts
Even in chat rooms, newcomers are subject to attacks from certain “experts.” Often they send files with .ini extension to chat room newbies. These scripts can reproduce and resend themselves or execute commands on the “recipient” computer without the operator ever requesting them. The advice, therefore, is not to accept anything to avoid trouble.
Only frequent known Channels
To avoid unwelcome encounters, try to frequent only known Channels if you are an IRC or mIRC user. In these places, in fact, lurk some unsavory individuals who call themselves “Lamers“. Usually, these individuals exploit the inexperience of newcomers and, with sweet words, send unwanted material, such as viruses.
Beware of Nuke and Trojan
I nukeare packets of data capable of crashing the system. In practice, nukes, whose action is called nuking, exploit a Windows bug that leaves port 139 of NetBios open.
You can be nuked if you are an ICQ or mIRC user. To defend against these attacks, patches must be used.
Beware of viruses trojans“, small programs that leave no trace but, after entering your computer hidden by other programs, prepare the way for the trojans that control your computer from the outside. To defend against these attacks, there are excellent antivirus programs on the market.
Install an antivirus
To avoid the problems listed above, it’s good practice to install an antivirus program on your computer and perform frequent, close checks. Remember, also, to update the antivirus. Updates are often possible with the help of the Internet.
FIREWALL
Among the most recommended and widespread security systems, the Firewall is a full contender, meaning a sort of guardian that controls the access ports of the system. The firewall acts by logging suspicious events and checks the network port connected to the computer’s, blocking entry. There are software firewalls e and hardware firewalls. The latter require the intervention of an expert due to the complexity of their functions and demand a good technical knowledge of the hardware.
Software Firewalls
Several software options are available on the market capable of blocking unwanted users from accessing your computer. Some of these software programs are completely free (freeware), while others can be purchased at very affordable prices. Among the most well-known, software firewalls produced by leading antivirus companies are essential.
We are referring to Symantec (http://www.symantec.com) with Norton and McAfee (http://www.mcafee.com) with McAfee Personal Firewall. The freeware section offers some important products like Zonealarm (http://www.zonealarm.com), a user-friendly product for Windows users. Within the Zonealarm website, you will find the download section where you can get the program to install it on your computer. Surely the program will not solve all security-related issues, but it will represent one of the many useful pieces for protecting your computer and, above all, your privacy and your valuable data.
Pubblicato in Guides & Tutorials
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